CVE-2003-1178 in Advanced Poll
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in comments.php in Advanced Poll 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) id, (2) template_set, or (3) action parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2017
The CVE-2003-1178 vulnerability represents a critical server-side evaluation injection flaw discovered in Advanced Poll version 2.0.2, specifically within the comments.php script. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls squarely within the ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it targets a web application interface. The flaw manifests through three distinct parameter injection points: id, template_set, and action, all of which are processed without adequate sanitization or validation, creating pathways for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of user-supplied input parameters that are directly incorporated into PHP evaluation functions. When attackers manipulate the id, template_set, or action parameters through HTTP requests, the application processes these inputs through eval() or similar dangerous functions without proper input filtering. This allows remote threat actors to inject arbitrary PHP code that executes on the target server with the privileges of the web application process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables full code execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1178 extends beyond simple code injection to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious commands, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data stored within the application's database, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the targeted system, as it allows for unauthorized access to the application's underlying resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in web environments where applications are exposed to untrusted users and where the web server typically operates with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1178 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation using allowlists of acceptable values, employ proper output encoding techniques, and eliminate the use of dangerous functions like eval() in application code. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1590 "Cloud Infrastructure Misconfiguration" and CWE-116 "Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output" by enforcing strict input sanitization protocols. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring regular security updates are essential defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as even minor oversights in parameter handling can result in complete system compromise. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar injection vulnerabilities within their application codebase and implement proper code review processes to prevent future occurrences.